Red Velvet Truffles

Introduction

There’s something about red velvet that just makes everything feel extra special. Maybe it’s the rich, velvety texture or that striking red color that’s perfect for any occasion. Red velvet cakes have long been a favorite, but when you turn them into truffles? It’s an entirely new level of indulgence. Picture it: soft, buttery cake crumbles surrounded by creamy, velvety cream cheese filling and coated in decadent chocolate. These Red Velvet Truffles are every bit as magical as they sound, and I can’t wait to share how you can make them.

I first discovered this recipe during the holidays, and it quickly became a favorite. The vibrant red hue makes them perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or even as a little treat for yourself on a cozy weekend afternoon. These truffles have this perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with the cream cheese filling bringing that signature red velvet flavor to life. Trust me, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one (or two, or three). It’s one of those recipes that you’ll be asked to make again and again, especially once friends and family get a taste.

Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Truffles

If you’ve ever made red velvet cake, then you’ll know the magic that happens when the cake batter combines with the cream cheese frosting. The rich, moist cake paired with the tangy cream cheese is perfection. These Red Velvet Truffles are no different, but in bite-sized form! They’re easy to make, require only a handful of ingredients, and are incredibly versatile for different occasions. Whether you’re bringing them to a party, gifting them to a loved one, or simply enjoying them at home, these truffles are sure to impress.

Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

1. Easy to Make: The prep time is minimal. You don’t have to worry about complicated steps or advanced techniques.
2. Perfect for Any Occasion: These truffles are perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any celebration. The bright red color makes them a festive treat.
3. Sweet and Tangy: The combination of the red velvet cake and the creamy cream cheese filling is just irresistible.
4. Customizable: Want to add a little twist? You can dip these truffles in dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even top them with crushed nuts for an extra crunch.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling time)
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours
• Servings: 18-24 truffles, depending on size

Nutrition Facts (per truffle)

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 20g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 14g

Ingredients

To make these Red Velvet Truffles, you’ll need the following:

• 1 box of red velvet cake mix (or homemade if you prefer)
• 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup of buttermilk (or regular milk if you don’t have buttermilk)
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 12 oz white chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips, if you prefer)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (to thin the chocolate for dipping)

Each ingredient plays a critical role. The red velvet cake mix gives these truffles that signature flavor, while the cream cheese filling brings the tangy richness that makes red velvet so irresistible. The chocolate coating seals it all together, giving that smooth, sweet bite you crave.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bake the Red Velvet Cake:
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and buttermilk. If you’re using a homemade red velvet cake recipe, feel free to skip the box mix and follow your recipe. Mix everything together until smooth.Pour the cake batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake it in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before moving to the next step.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
   While the cake is cooling, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. Once the sugar is mixed in, add the vanilla extract and continue to beat until the filling is light and fluffy.
3. Crumb the Cake:
   Once the cake has cooled, crumble it into a large bowl using your hands or a fork. You want it to be as fine as possible, but it doesn’t have to be perfect. The crumbs don’t need to be tiny, but you want a nice texture to work with for forming the truffles.
4. Combine the Cake and Cream Cheese Filling:
   Add the cream cheese filling to the crumbled cake and stir everything together. It should be moist and sticky, so it holds together when you form the truffles. If it seems too dry, you can add a little more cream cheese filling. Once the mixture is thoroughly combined, it’s time to form the truffles.
5. Form the Truffles:
   Using your hands, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the cake mixture and roll them into smooth balls. Aim for about 18-24 truffles, depending on how large you want them to be. Place the truffles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Chill the Truffles:
   This is a crucial step! Place the baking sheet of truffles into the fridge for about 2 hours. This will firm them up and make them easier to dip in chocolate.
7. Coat the Truffles:
   Once the truffles are chilled and firm, it’s time to dip them in chocolate! Melt the white chocolate chips and vegetable oil together in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.Using a fork, carefully dip each truffle into the melted chocolate, covering it entirely. Gently tap the fork to remove any excess chocolate, then place the truffles back on the parchment paper. Repeat with all the truffles.
8. Let the Chocolate Set:
   Allow the chocolate to set by leaving the truffles at room temperature or placing them in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Once the chocolate is firm, your Red Velvet Truffles are ready to enjoy!

How to Serve

These truffles are perfect on their own, but there are a few ways you can take them to the next level. Here are some ideas for serving:

• Serve as a gift: Pack them in a cute jar or gift box to give to friends and family. They’ll love the personal touch!
• Serve at a party: Arrange them on a platter and watch them disappear!
• Pair with coffee or tea: These truffles are great with a warm drink for a cozy treat.
• Decorate for special occasions: If you’re making them for a holiday or special event, feel free to add festive sprinkles or edible glitter for an extra touch of sparkle.

Additional Tips

• Make it a family activity: If you’re making these with kids or friends, this is the perfect recipe for getting everyone involved. They’ll love rolling the cake mixture into truffles and dipping them in chocolate!
• Don’t skip chilling the truffles: This step helps them hold their shape and makes the dipping process much easier. Trust me on this one!
• Use high-quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the truffles will taste. Go for a good brand of white or milk chocolate.
• Store them properly: These truffles can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, so you can enjoy them all week long.

Recipe Variations

• Red Velvet Cake Truffles with White Chocolate: Keep the recipe as is, but feel free to experiment with different coatings. If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, use dark chocolate or milk chocolate for a slightly different flavor.
• Gluten-Free Red Velvet Truffles: Swap out the cake mix for a gluten-free version or bake a homemade gluten-free red velvet cake.
• Red Velvet Truffles with Nuts: Add a bit of texture by rolling the truffles in finely chopped pecans or walnuts. This adds a nice crunch and enhances the flavor.
• Vegan Red Velvet Truffles: Replace the eggs and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives. There are great dairy-free cream cheese options available!

Serving Suggestions

These Red Velvet Truffles are so versatile. Here are a few ideas for what to serve them with:

• Side Dishes: A simple green salad or roasted vegetables balance out the sweetness of the truffles perfectly.
• Drinks: A glass of sparkling water or even a light, fruity iced tea would complement these rich truffles beautifully.
• Kids’ Favorite: Serve with milk or hot chocolate for a sweet treat after school or as a fun weekend activity.

Freezing and Storage

If you happen to have any leftovers (though I wouldn’t count on it), here’s how to store them:

• Storage: Keep your Red Velvet Truffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the truffles by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing them for 30 minutes. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply let them thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours.

Special Equipment

You don’t need much special equipment for these truffles, but here are a few things that can help make the process easier:

• Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper: This is essential for both baking the cake and chilling the truffles.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: Use this for melting the chocolate for dipping.
• Fork or Dipping Tool: This helps you dip the truffles without making a mess.

FAQ Section

Can I use store-bought red velvet cake mix?
Absolutely! Store-bought cake mix is a great shortcut for this recipe. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the box.

Can I make these truffles ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the truffles ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a few days before serving. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

How do I know when the chocolate is ready for dipping?
The chocolate should be smooth and pourable. If it’s too thick, simply add a little vegetable oil to thin it out.

Can I make these without cream cheese?
While cream cheese is essential for that classic red velvet flavor, you can experiment with dairy-free or vegan cream cheese alternatives if needed.

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Conclusion

I can’t wait for you to try these Red Velvet Truffles. They’re the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and rich, with just the right amount of tang from the cream cheese. Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a special occasion, or simply because you deserve a treat, these truffles will surely be a hit. Don’t forget to share your creations with me—I’d love to see how they turn out! Leave a comment or tag me on Instagram. Happy baking!